Thoughts on this antique cushion?

[morganlover]

I have been returning to gaze at this cushion for several weeks now. I know it is not perfect but there is something about it that really appeals to me. Before I pursue it, what are the thoughts of a more knowledgeable crowd? Obviously it has a poor clarity. I don't mind little salt and pepper speckles I don't think, but will it greatly detract from performance? I wouldn't want something cloudy, etc.

http://oldworlddiamonds.com/detail.php?ID=937

Thanks for the help.

 

[ecf8503]

It's an EGL cert, so it likely isn't really an H color, and the clarity is already not good. It also has a very thin girdle. As for how the inclusions affect performance, your best bet is to call them and ask them directly about it. Perhaps they can get you more pics too.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Yucky but in my opinion ... it's what you like that matters!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Clarity is horrible (I1 from EGL is a rather big flag) and the cut is not great by any means. I can't tell whether the glob in the center is a misshapen culet or a big feather. I am sorry but you can get a much better stone than that!

 

[Gypsy]

No. EGL is a NO.

And so is any jeweler proposing an EGL stone.

 

[arkieb1]

It's probably a J/K/L colour and a low I1 to I2 in clarity. So a bad clarity and a pretty darn ordinary cut..... For the same price something like this is nicer;

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/1-02ct-est-old-european-cut-diamond-ring-l-m-vs1/

Or this for a bit more setting included;

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/1-05ct-old-european-cut-diamond-in-engraved-sholdt-semi-bezel-egl-j-vs2/

Are you specifically after a cushion or just the largest stone you can afford? If so phone Adam at OWD and email Erica - Love Affair Diamonds and Grace - Jewels by Grace and ask what else they might have in your budget.

 

[morganlover]

Thank you very much for the help, everyone. I suppose I knew I was being too optimistic. I'm confused, though, because OWD doesn't seem to have many stones that aren't EGL or N/A for the cert. Is it okay to go for an EGL stone if it's graded well above what I actually need?

I specifically want a cushion or an old-mine cut. Trying to stay under 4k and would like near a carat at least. Don't want to pay for an included setting because I have something in mind.

 

[luvsdmb]

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/1-69ct-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-gia-l-vs1/

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/1-55ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-l-vs1/

I LOVE these two!

 

[morganlover]

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/1-69ct-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-gia-l-vs1/

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/1-55ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-l-vs1/

I LOVE these two!

That's lovely and seems to be a great deal, but well above my budget unfortunately! Maybe if it's still available after I save up a while longer ...

This one is also wonderful, and might be doable with a bit more stretching:
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/1-ct-to-2-00/1-27ct-oec-egl-k-vs1.html#.VFpi3PTF__I

 

[luvsdmb]

What is your ring size? What is your idea for the setting?

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/0-60ct-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-uncerted-i-j-si1/

 

[morganlover]

Luvsdmb, I'm a size 5, and I think I want a delicate three-stone setting with half-moon sides.

I have been mostly concentrating on antique cushions because I don't like the splintery/crushed ice look of a lot of modern cut cushions. However I just found a few modern cushions on James Allen that seem to have nice big facets. What is everyone's opinion of these two? I see they both have thick girdles - I know thin girdles might be prone to chipping, but why are thick girdles bad?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.18-carat-k-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-366687

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.12-carat-k-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-47900

 

[SB621]

OWD used to mostly do EGL because GIA didn't have a rating for old cuts. Now it does. GIA is in the same building at OWD so just ask Adam to cert it if it means that much to you.

Many people buy old cuts from him (myself included on several occasions). I would absolutely recommend him just ask questions.

 

[WhoaNelly]

+1 for SB's response. The best way to work with Adam is to give him a call --- he has many stones that are not on the website.

Good luck and enjoy the journey!

 

[morganlover]

Hey everyone,

An AVC has just come up for sale on LoupeTroop that is just within my price range. I know they tend to be pretty consistent with quality, but does anyone have any reservations about this stone? I'm a little nervous buying from a private seller in case it is chipped or something.

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/1-dot-16ct-k-si2-avc-diamond-in-platinum-knife-edge-solitaire-setting
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/7913/

 

[MollyMalone]

Although a private seller, he is offering a 3-day return/no questions asked refund policy (minus certain fees spelled out in the listing) . Which gives you the opportunity to see if the stone speaks to you in real life & to have a local jeweler loupe it.